BioMed Forensics Video links httpwwwpbsorgopbhistorydetectivestechniquedocumentexamination httpwwwyoutubecomwatchvqGknAMyxRPE 3 Handwriting Analysis Document analysts examine and compare ID: 687701
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Handwriting Analysis
EHS BioMed/ForensicsSlide2
Video links
http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/technique/document-examination/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGknAMyxRPE
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Handwriting Analysis
Document analysts examine and compare
questioned documents
with
known material (exemplar).
What do you think a questioned document could be?
A questioned document is any signature, handwriting, typewriting, or other written mark whose source or authenticity is in dispute or question.
Give an example of where you have heard of this before.Slide4
A questioned document…
Is any signature, handwriting, typewriting, or other written mark whose source of authenticity is in dispute or uncertain
Examples of questioned documents:
checks
certificates wills licenses letters
suicide, ransom notesSlide5Slide6
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Introduction
Experts in the field investigate such things as handwriting, computer printouts, commercial printing, paper, and ink.
Questioned documents can include: checks, certificates, wills, passports, licenses, money, letters, contracts, suicide notes, receipts, lottery tickets, etc.
Their work can help identify a document’s author.Slide7
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Introduction
Document Experts
may investigate threatening, ransom, or suicide notes.
What do you think they are specifically looking for when they analyze the questioned document against a known sample?
Changes in: letter size, shape or appearance, line spacing, letter slant, style, etc.Slide8
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Document Experts are
NOT
graphologist!
Graphologists analyze handwriting to detect personality traits (this is not a recognized part of forensic science, but is may be useful to investigations).
How could a graphologist be useful to an investigation?Slide9
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History of Forensic
Handwriting Analysis
In the 1930s, handwriting analysis played a role in the famous Lindbergh case.
It was used in the trial of Richard Hauptman for the kidnapping & murder of the son Charles Lindbergh.Slide10
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History of Forensic
Handwriting Analysis
In 1999, the United States Court of Appeals determined that handwriting analysis qualified as a form of expert testimony.
To be admissible in court, however, scientifically accepted guidelines must be followed.
Handwriting analysis has been used by Scotland Yard, the FBI, and the Secret Service.Slide11
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Handwriting
Everyone’s handwriting shows natural variations.
What are some factors that affect our handwriting and cause these variations?
Writing instrument (pen, pencil, marker, crayon) our mood, age, time restraints, audience being written too.
Despite these variations, each person has a unique handwriting style.Slide12
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Example
What do you notice about the two samples of handwriting to the right?Slide13
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Introduction to Handwriting
Characteristics of Handwriting
Handwriting Analysts look at three aspects of handwriting: letter form, line form, and formatting.
Letter form
includes: letter shape, curve, slant, size, continuous stroke, and correct appearance.
Line form
includes: smoothness of letters, and darkness of lines of different strokes
Formatting
includes: spacing between letters, words, and lines, placement of words, & marginsSlide14
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Handwriting Examination
What is the goal of handwriting examination?
To determine authorship and authentication.
To identify
forgeries
: documents created with the intention to deceive…
Two writings are the product of one person if their similarities are unique and no unexplainable differences are found.Slide15
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Handwriting Examination
Step of handwriting analysis:
Examine the questionable document for detectable traits and record them.
Obtain some writing of the suspect’s (an
exemplar
) and compare the traits found in the questionable document with it.
Draw conclusions about the authorship of the questionable document based on the comparison. Slide16
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Technology Used in
Handwriting Analysis
Biometric Signature Pads
This computerized pad “learns” to recognize how a person signs his or her name based on the speed, pressure, and rhythm of the signing.
Forgeries then are recognized by the detection of even slight differences.
Computerized Analysis of Handwriting
Computers can make objective comparisons between handwritings.
Suspect signatures can be compared with ones stored in databases. Slide17
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Handwriting
Evidence in the Courtroom
The expert shows how comparisons were made.
The defense attorney likely will cross-examine the handwriting expert.
Shortcomings in Analysis
A particular piece of handwriting can be different from its usual style because of factors such as fatigue.
Experts can miss details. Slide18